I still say (even tho' the meeting has already taken place now) put HDV into the tiny palmcorders like the PC-105. Get HD to the masses and watch the tide really turn. As it is now, the format is strictly an elitist medium. Make it available at Wal-Mart and you'll see NTSC and DV disappear overnight. Otherwise this is just going to go the way of ED Beta. The major manufacturers are in a panic now because they want to protect their HD domain they've carefully carved out for themselves. Maybe it's going to take a non-player like China to blow the doors wide open. So I guess I'm coming to the conclusion that JVC is not capable of starting a true HD revolution. With so many self-interests at stake, they're going to do whatever it takes to marginalize and categorize HDV so that we're always wishing it were more than it is.

I agree, though I never thought HD for the masses would be here last year. I thought we were still 5 years from it. I used to think, back in 1999 when I bought my XL-1, that one day instead of DV, it would be HD.

Actually Les, although I cannot really speak about the specifics because I am under an NDA, my general sense is that they are genuinely interested in making the best camera possible.

My message to them was, fix the problems on this camera (Chroma noise, lack of manual controls, audio, edge enhancement, etc.) enhance it (24p,60p,30p, variable speed zoom –slower, better focus control from viewfinder, user friendly power switch, etc.) and you will sell many, many cameras.

Mr. Musha, who is responsible for product development in Japan, took many notes and was very interested in what the users had to say. Let’s hope that they can deliver a new model that will blow us away for the same price range.

By the way, regarding the audio XLR issues on the camera: They are fully aware of the problem and will give me instructions to relay for sending your camera in for repair.

I've worked with high end Japanese film equipment makers before, and I've found that they are extremely polite and nod to everything you ask. It is a cultural thing.
It's too bad marketing departments and the patent holders block what might be possible.
-Les